Martial qigong (for martial arts). Qigong and combat

Traditional practices of the East are distinguished by their effectiveness and wisdom; this is knowledge that dates back thousands of years.

Martial Qigong is a fundamental technique that is used to train the body, strengthen the spirit, and also to gain incredible physical strength. But, unlike banal training in the gym or in the gymnastics section, here the emphasis is not on muscle size.

Qigong for health and martial arts

The main difference between combat qigong and therapeutic qigong is that this type of qigong fills the practitioner’s body with energy in the shortest possible time Qi. While the healing complex of Chinese traditional medicine does this slowly and measuredly.

The main task of hard qigong is to raise the level of absolutely all protective functions of the physical body and spirit. This practice gives a large amount of energy, increases clarity of thought, and improves performance.

Experienced specialists, as well as real Masters of Chinese practice, assure that hard qigong is the only effective technique. Therapeutic qigong gives the body healing and helps a person to self-heal. Martial Qigong strengthens the body, making it more resilient and strong. Masters of hard qigong use it for regular martial arts training.

Often, martial qigong is an exercise that helps improve physical performance when practicing wushu. Less commonly, hard qigong is practiced as an independent type of training.

For a beginner practitioner, this type of qigong can be much more difficult to master than therapeutic qigong. However, Masters around the world claim that even inexperienced beginners can practice hard qigong. In many ways, hard qigong is based on a technique that allows you to saturate the human body with a powerful flow Qi. Teachers advise their students to initially engage in this type of practice. It is believed that hard qigong is indispensable for Chinese martial arts.

It is systematic training in martial qigong that allows practitioners to do truly amazing things and surprise with their strength indicators. Martial Qigong is not a technique that will allow you to build muscle or gain muscle mass.

However, this is not required here. The Chinese believe that a person's strength comes from within and is fueled by energy Qi. The more it is in the body, the stronger the person, and therefore neither your weight nor your initial strength indicators matter for practice.

It is noteworthy that even fragile young girls who practice martial qigong can easily perform any task on an equal basis with men. Thus, one of the main tests - crushing a stone or wooden slab with bare hands - is passed by female practitioners with ease.

The main effects that begin to appear after just a few martial qigong classes:

• Increased performance;
• Reducing the time the body needs to rest;
• Improved resistance to any diseases;
• The body ceases to perceive pain;
• The strong-willed spirit is tempered;
• Increased sexual activity;
• Strengthening the muscle frame and tendons in the body;
• Increased resistance to stress;
• Filling every part of the body with energy.

Varieties of Hard Qigong

Martial qigong has two varieties, which differ from each other in where exactly the practitioner directs the energy Qi. They are called external and internal styles.

When a practitioner uses the external style, he concentrates all his thoughts and consciousness, directing all Qi into certain muscles of your body located on the limbs, thereby filling them with energy and incredible strength. Using this style allows you to achieve extremely unusual effects, for example, resistance to piercing and cutting weapons, phenomenal strength, and so on.

However, true Masters do not encourage the use of only one external style. Since the physical body is limited in its capabilities and sooner or later a moment occurs when one or another muscle of a limb is filled with energy Qi maximum, and the practitioner continues to feed it with this power. Consequently, such valuable Qi, and the muscular frame of a practitioner who uses only an external style begins to age quickly.

The internal style of martial qigong avoids this and prevents energy dissipation Qi. When using this technique, the practitioner directs all the energy into his torso and from there Qi distributed evenly over all limbs.

This style is a little more complicated than the external one, since it requires more concentration and experience from the practitioner.

In order to properly distribute energy from the trunk to the limbs, the practitioner must minimize the use of muscles. But Masters also do not recommend using only one internal style, because after some time the moment comes when it is necessary to energize the muscles of the limbs directly, without the participation of the torso.

External and internal styles are inextricably linked with each other, like Yin and Yang, so they should be given equal attention, the importance of these two practices is equal.

The use of two styles for many years and centuries had practical benefits only for combat, and the impact on health remained unnoticed, it was perceived only as a positive side effect. And only recently have Masters and students paid attention to the enormous health benefits that come from the practice of martial qigong.

Since in martial qigong the main place is occupied by the rapid flow Qi, then when engaging in this type of practice, much attention is paid to the study of the meridians of the body, because they are the channels that allow energy to move. Also, when practicing hard qigong, special attention is paid to the umbilical center, because this area is responsible for will and strength.

Combat qigong can be used not only for protection from direct attacks or during combat. This practice strengthens all weak areas on the body, increasing its elasticity, making it invulnerable.

In China, the ancient monks steadfastly followed their martial traditions. Even men of advanced age and thin build were distinguished by their remarkable strength and endurance. Hard qigong allowed Taoist monks to avoid wounds and injuries in defensive battles, and for ordinary warriors it was the only opportunity to return home safe and sound.

It is noteworthy that even today the Masters of Martial Qigong, at first glance, seem too puny to have such amazing capabilities. But, as noted in the article above, in China physical strength has never been correlated with muscle size. And while the country's enemies relied on exhausting strength training, the graceful Chinese preferred to act more wisely, drawing their strength from the source of life Qi.

A True Martial Qigong Teacher is unlikely to surprise you with his powerful figure. However, he will be able to demonstrate to you such incredible abilities that many people will find impossible.

Many who watched the training of the Masters from the sidelines noted how enormous internal strength is contained in an ordinary physical shell. An experienced practitioner has such strength of spirit that even piercing and cutting objects cannot touch or injure him.

Swords and daggers seem to bounce off the surface of the Master's skin. This is the amazing ability of martial qigong. Externally, your body does not transform at all, so it is unlikely that anyone will guess about the hidden power that is inside you.

By combining internal and external styles, a practitioner can achieve truly amazing results. Legends about monks walking on hot coals, on sharp fragments or easily lying on a board with nails sticking out are not a myth or fiction, all this is possible and real when using force Qi.

Hard Qigong complex to protect vulnerable areas of the body

Production of the iron breast

"Breast massage"

1. Any position.
2. The left hand is pressed with the palm to the chest, the right one covers it from above.
3. The chest is massaged clockwise, the pressure intensifies over time. At the same time, Qi should be controlled.

"Punches on the chest"

1. The hand bends at the elbow and strikes the chest. At this moment there is a sharp exhalation and release of Qi.

“Strikes on the chest with a bamboo stick”

1. Stand up straight, body relaxed.
2. The hand bends at the elbow and strikes the chest with a stick. At this moment there is a sharp exhalation and release of Qi.
3. Repeat until pain occurs.

"Strikes on the chest with a bag"

1. Stand up straight, body relaxed.
2. The arm bends at the elbow and strikes the chest with the bag. At this moment there is a sharp exhalation and release of Qi.
3. Repeat until pain occurs.

1. Take a step with your right foot and turn your body to the left, while slapping your partner on the chest with your right hand. The partner does the same.

Production of an iron belly

"Belly massage"

1. Any position.
2. The left hand is pressed with the palm to the stomach, the right one covers it from above.
3. The abdomen is massaged clockwise, the pressure intensifies over time. At the same time, Qi should be controlled.
4. Performs within 30-60 minutes.

"Punches to the stomach"

1. Stand up straight, body relaxed.
2. As you inhale, raise your right fist.
3. The hand bends at the elbow and strikes the stomach. At this moment there is a sharp exhalation and release of Qi.
4. Repeat until pain occurs.

"Strikes on the stomach with a bamboo stick"

1. Stand up straight, body relaxed.
2. As you inhale, raise your right hand with the stick.
3. The hand bends at the elbow and strikes the stomach with a stick. At this moment there is a sharp exhalation and release of Qi.
4. Repeat until pain occurs.

"Bag hits to the stomach"

1. Stand up straight, body relaxed.
2. As you inhale, raise your right hand, in which there is a bag half filled with metal filings, and the other half with beans.
3. The hand bends at the elbow and strikes the stomach with the bag. At this moment there is a sharp exhalation and release of Qi.
4. Repeat until pain occurs.

Assistive training technique

1. Stand facing your partner, one step away.
2. Take a step with your right foot and turn your body to the left, while slapping your partner on the stomach with your right hand. The partner does the same.
3. Repeat similarly for the left side.

Working on an iron back

"The sun moves, the stars move"

1. Sit down, close your eyes, your hands should be pressed to your lower back.
2. Rub inward 36 times, then outward 36 times.
3. Using the extended phalanges of your index and middle fingers, strike the lower back.
4. Repeat the rubbing cycle again.
5. Repeat hitting and rubbing 3 times.

"Golden Boy Beats the Drum"

1. Take a soft wooden hammer with a wicker handle.
2. Direct all the Chi to your back.
3. Apply light blows to the back, increasing them over time.
4. Do this until the pain becomes unbearable.

Making iron crotch

"Raise and lower the anus"

1. Sit with your legs folded.
2. Lift your anus and hold your breath for 5 seconds. The testicles are also lifted.
3. As you exhale, relax your entire body. The testicles descend slowly.
4. Repeat the exercise 18 times.

"The Well Gate Raises the Bucket"

1. Tie a small weight to the base of the scrotum.
2. Rock the weight back and forth for 20 minutes.
3. Gradually increase the weight of the load.

"Test Slapping"

1. Stand straight, feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent.
2. Using a wooden stick, lightly pat the scrotum and penis. Gradually increase the impact.
3. Carry out this procedure for 5 minutes.
4. Move the tapping area to your stomach and inner thighs until numbness sets in.

Martial Qigong: video lessons and scientific experiments

You can watch interesting facts and scientific research, the wonderful capabilities of the main Masters of martial qigong in the video below.

Qigong master shows abilities

No less interesting is a video from the National Geographic channel, where the presenters conducted a real experiment that shocked the scientific world.

Combat Qigong: video for beginners from Master Andrey Levshinov

Martial Qigong is a practice that will allow you to gain incredible physical abilities and strengthen your body. The powerful protective system that was formed in China before the beginning of our era is popular and relevant to this day.

Hard (hard) qigong is mandatory for everyone who practices martial arts, especially for the art of wushu.

But for an ordinary person, this type of training is the best protection for your body.

Weak and vulnerable places in our body are like fragile links in a chain; without properly strengthening them, a person risks suffering from even the most insignificant incident or unforeseen circumstance. In China, the ancient monks knew this well, so they worried about protecting themselves and getting rid of such fragile links. Now their powerful practice is available to any modern person.

The textbook will allow you to quickly learn all the necessary information for those who are planning to practice this type of Chinese technique.

You can learn about the art of martial qigong, comprehend its secrets and become familiar with the exercises in the book “Iron Warrior: Martial Techniques of Hard Qigong” by An Zaifeng. It is worth noting that beginner students may find such training to be overly tough, difficult and even dangerous.

Hard qigong is an exercise that got its name for a reason. They allow you to harden your body in a short time, making it as resilient and strong as possible. Of course, it is best for beginner practitioners to practice martial qigong under the guidance of an experienced Master. However, despite the apparent complexity of the practice, Chinese solid qigong experts are confident that this type of training has the most powerful effect.

Martial qigong is an exercise that is also aimed at making the body stop perceiving pain. Reaching its peak during training, the student ultimately loses this ability, receptors and nerve endings are blocked by the brain, painful and unpleasant sensations remain a thing of the past.

It is not for nothing that practice gave such names to the exercises - “Iron Fist”, “Diamond Fingers”, “Eagle Claws” - all hard qigong exercises really harden the hands so much that they literally turn to stone, become iron.

The making of the iron fist

First stage

"The golden bull plows the earth"

1. Take a position lying down, standing on your fists so that your palms are facing each other.
2. Take a deep breath.

Repeat the exercise 49 times.

"Strikes on thousand-layer paper"

1. Place a stack of paper consisting of a thousand sheets on the wall at chest level.
2. Take a deep breath, stand with your left side to the paper, fists near your stomach, palms facing up. Qi flows from the outer edges of the hands into the Tan Tien.
3. Hit the paper, Qi from the Dan Tian flows through the Shan Zhong, armpit, inner side of the arm and out through the fist.
4. Repeat for the right hand.

Second phase

"The Arhat goes to bed"

1. Inhale, place your right fist on the floor, arm straight, right leg with the outer side lying on the ground, and left arm straight and pointing upward.
2. A sharp release of Qi and a return to its original position. Qi flows from the Tan Tien through the armpit, then through the inner surface of the arm into the Right Fist.

"Strikes on a bag of iron filings"

1. Fill the bag half with iron filings and half with beans.
2. Hang at chest level.
3. Inhale through the nose and exhale sharply through the mouth, releasing Qi.
4. Inhale, turn your left side towards the bag, fists near your stomach, palms up.
5. Qi flows from the outer sides of the hands into the Tan Tien.
6. Strike with the left hand, a sharp release of Qi, the body turns slightly to the right by inertia. Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Shan Zhong, the armpit, and along the inside of the left arm into the fist.
7. Return to original position.
8. Repeat the exercise for the right hand.

Repeat the exercise until the pain becomes unbearable and your fists become hot.

Third stage

1. Transfer your body weight to just one fist, remove your other hand.
2. As you exhale, from the armpit of the arm on which you are standing, along the inside of your arm into a fist.

"Hitting a Brick Wall"

1. Inhale through the nose, exhale sharply through the mouth, and Qi comes out along with the exhalation.
2. Take a deep breath, stand with your left side against the wall, fists near your stomach, palms facing up. Qi flows from the outer edges of the hands into the Tan Tien.
3. Hit the wall, Qi from the Dan Tien flows through the Shan Zhong, armpit, inner side of the arm and out through the fist.
4. Return your hand to its original position.
5. Repeat for the right hand.

Repeat the exercise until the pain becomes unbearable and your fists become hot.

"Mabu Punching"

1. Stand with your knees bent to a half squat.
2. Place your fists near your stomach with your palms facing up.
3. The right fist strikes horizontally forward. Qi escapes through the nose along with the exhalation.
4. Inhale, return the arm to the starting position
5. Repeat for the left hand.
6. Perform 100 blows with each hand, trying to do it as quickly as possible.

This exercise can also be performed with a partner who holds a hand target and hits the target rather than the air.

The development of the iron palm

First stage

"The golden bull plows the earth"

1. Take an emphasis lying down, standing on your palms.
2. Take a deep breath.
3. At the same time as you inhale, lift your buttocks up and move your body back, stretching your arms. Qi flows from the outer sides of the hands into the Tan Tien.
4. Hold your breath, bend your elbows, and lower your body. Qi flows from Dan Tian through Hui Yin to Bai Hui, and then from Bai Hui to Shan Zhong.
5. Exhale while continuing the movement.
6. The arms straighten, the body returns to its original position. Qi flows from Shan Zhong through the inner sides of the arms to the Lao Gong points.

Repeat the exercise 49 times.

"Diamond Mountain Move"

1. Attach a half-meter square sheet of sandpaper to the wall at chest level.
2. Stand facing the sheet.
3. Stretch your arms forward, rest your fingers on the sheet so that your palms are down.
4. Simultaneously with a sharp exhalation, release Qi through the nose and strike the sheet with the base of your palms. At the same time, Qi rises from the Dan Tien to the Shan Zhong, dividing in two, and through the armpits along the inner sides of the arms reaches the palms, pouring out through the Lao Gong.
5. Inhale, return your palms to their original position, and the whole body relaxes. Qi returns to Dan Tian.

Repeat the exercise until the pain becomes unbearable and your palms become hot.

Second phase

"The Arhat goes to bed"

1. Inhale through the nose and exhale sharply through it.
2. Inhale, place your right palm on the floor, arm straight, right leg with the outer side lying on the ground, and left arm straight and pointing upward.
3. The Qi of heaven and the Qi of earth flows along the outside of the hands to Bai Hui.
4. The right arm is bent at the elbow, the chest touches the ground. Qi flows from Bai Hui to Dan Tian.
5. A sharp release of Qi and a return to its original position. Qi flows from the Tan Tien through the armpit, then through the inner surface of the arm into the right palm.

Perform the exercise 49 times for each hand.

"Washing woman knocks out laundry"

1. Select or make a square bag with a side of 60 cm.
2. Fill it half with beans and half with iron filings.
3. Stand on bent knees facing the stool, press your hands to your stomach, palms up.
4. The straight arm continues to move and is raised in a semicircle above the bag. Qi flows from the Dan Tien to the Shan Zhong, then through the right armpit along the inside of the right arm into the palm.
5. Exhale sharply with the release of Qi, tense the body, strike the bag with the palm, first with the outer edge, then with the center, and finally with the back of the hand. Qi flows from the Tan Tien into the right palm throughout the entire exercise.

Third stage

"Diamond inverted standing"

1. Stand on your hands upside down, with your back to the wall and your feet on the wall.
2. Transfer your body weight to only one palm, remove the other hand.
3. While inhaling, lead Qi from Dan Tian to Shan Zhong.
4. As you exhale, from the armpit of the arm on which you are standing, along the inside of the arm into the palm.

Stand in this position for 15 minutes on each hand.

“Cut a stone slab with your palm”

1. Place the stone slab on two supports so that it is at stomach level.
2. Stand facing the stove on bent knees, press your fists to your stomach, palms facing up.
3. Relax your body, open your right fist into your palm and move it down and back behind your body.
4. The Qi of heaven and earth from the outer side of the right hand moves to Bai Hui, then along Ren Mai to Dan Tian.
5. The straight arm continues to move and is raised in a semicircle above the slab. Qi flows from the Dan Tien to the Shan Zhong, then through the right armpit along the inside of the right arm into the palm.
6. A sharp exhalation with the release of Qi, tensing the body, striking the slab with the palm, first with the outer edge, then with the center, and finally with the back of the hand. Qi flows from the Tan Tien into the right palm throughout the entire exercise.
7. Repeat until the right palm becomes hot and the pain unbearable.

Do the same exercise for your left hand.

Assisted Training Methods

"Palm push"

1. Stand up straight, legs together, fists pressed to your stomach, palms facing up.
2. Exhale sharply along with the release of Qi, while the right leg takes a step forward and bends at the knee. The right fist opens into the palm and pushes forward, fingers pointing upward.
3. Inhale through the nose, the left leg takes a step forward and everything is repeated identically to the exercise with the right step.

Repeat this exercise 100 times.

Developing eagle claws

First stage

"The golden bull plows the earth"

1. Take a lying position, standing on ten fingers.
2. Take a deep breath.
3. At the same time as you inhale, lift your buttocks up and move your body back, stretching your arms. Qi flows from the outer sides of the hands into the Tan Tien.
4. Hold your breath, bend your elbows, and lower your body. Qi flows from Dan Tian through Hui Yin to Bai Hui, and then from Bai Hui to Shan Zhong.
5. Exhale while continuing the movement.

Repeat the exercise 49 times.

"Twisting Bamboo Chopsticks"

1. Take some bamboo sticks and tie them together.
2. Take them in your hands and raise them in front of you.
3. As you exhale, twist the sticks up and to the left with your right hand.
4. Extend your right arm under your left wrist so that both hands are palms down. In this case, Qi flows from Dan-Tian to Shan-Zhong and is divided in two, falling into the hands up to the Lao-Gong points.
5. Take a breath, take the starting position, Qi returns to the Tan Tien.

Repeat the exercise 49 times.

"Lift a thousand jins with force"

1. Take a jug with a small neck and fill it with sand.
2. Place the jug in front of you and stand with your knees half bent. The body is vertical.
3. Inhale and, grasping the neck of the jug with your thumb, index and middle fingers, absorb the Chi energy of heaven and earth.
4. Hold your breath and lift the jug to chest level. At the same time, Qi flows from the Dan Tian into the fingers.
5. Exhale, relax your body and lower the jug into place.

Repeat the exercise 49 times for each hand.

"Sticking your hands in and out of the beans"

1. Fill the keg with beans.
2. Exhale and simultaneously insert your palms into the beans. Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Ren Mai to the Shan Zhong, then splits in two and along the inner sides of the arms reaches the hands, and from there to the fingertips.

Second phase

"The Arhat goes to bed"

1. Inhale through the nose and exhale sharply through it.
2. Inhale, rest the fingers of the right hand on the floor, the arm is straight, the right leg is on the ground with the outer side, and the left arm is straightened and directed upward.
3. The Qi of heaven and the Qi of earth flows along the outside of the hands to Bai Hui.
4. The right arm is bent at the elbow, the chest touches the ground. Qi flows from Bai Hui to Dan Tian.
5. A sharp release of Qi and a return to its original position. Qi flows from the Tan Tien through the armpit, then through the inner surface of the arm into the fingers of the right hand.

Perform the exercise 49 times for each hand.

"Diamond Hanging"

1. Hang a bag of sand on a stick with a diameter of 2-3 centimeters and a length of half a meter.
2. Stand straight, feet wider than shoulder width, knees bent, and back straight.
3. Extend your arms forward in front of you, holding the stick in them.
4. Begin to twist the stick forward, while Qi flows from Dan Tien to Shan Zhong, splits in two, flows along the inner sides of the hands into the palms, and then to the Lao Gong points.
5. Inhale and begin to unroll the rope from the stick, at this time the Qi flows back into the Tan Tien.

Do the exercise 49 times.

"Sticking and pulling your hands out of the sand"

1. Fill the barrel with sand.
2. Inhale, stand facing the barrel, knees bent, hands pressed to your stomach, palms up. Qi flows into Dan Tian.
3. Exhale and simultaneously press your palms into the sand. Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Ren Mai to the Shan Zhong, then splits in two and along the inner sides of the arms reaches the hands, and from there to the fingertips.
4. Inhale, relax your body, and return your arms to the starting position. Qi flows to the Bai Hui point and then to the Dan Tian.

Repeat until the pain becomes unbearable and your hands go numb.

Third stage

"Diamond inverted standing"

1. Stand on your hands upside down, with your back to the wall and your feet on the wall.
2. Transfer your body weight to the fingers of one hand and remove the other hand.
3. While inhaling, lead Qi from Dan Tian to Shan Zhong.

Stand in this position for 15 minutes on each hand.

"Two Dragons Fight for the Pearl"

1. Take an iron ball weighing up to 10 kilograms.
2. Stand straight, feet wider than shoulder width, knees half bent, right hand holding the ball near your stomach, palm facing up.
3. Inhale as your right hand raises the ball to shoulder level. Qi flows from Bai Hui to Dan Tian.
4. Hold your breath, your right palm turns over, your left hand grabs the falling ball. At the same time, Qi flows from Dan Tien to Shan Zhong, splits in two and flows to the Lao Gong points, and when the ball falls, it follows it.

Repeat the exercise 49 times.

"Sticking and pulling hands out of iron filings"

1. Inhale, stand facing the barrel, knees bent, hands pressed to your stomach, palms up. Qi flows into Dan Tian.
2. Exhale and at the same time stick your palms into the sawdust. Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Ren Mai to the Shan Zhong, then splits in two and along the inner sides of the arms reaches the hands, and from there to the fingertips.
3. Inhale, relax your body, and return your arms to the starting position. Qi flows to the Bai Hui point and then to the Dan Tian.
4. Repeat until the pain becomes unbearable and your hands go numb.

Assisted Training Methods

1. Stand up straight, feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, fists near your stomach, palms facing up.
2. Exhale through the nose, releasing Qi sharply. At the same time, the right fist turns into claws, and the arm itself straightens forward.
3. Inhale through your nose, clench your claws into a fist and return your hand to its original position.
4. Repeat the same for the left hand.
5. Repeat the exercise 100 times.

Working life of diamond fingers

First stage

"The golden bull plows the earth"

1. Take a lying position, standing on your index and middle fingers.
2. Take a deep breath.
3. At the same time as you inhale, lift your buttocks up and move your body back, stretching your arms. Qi flows from the outer sides of the hands into the Tan Tien.
4. Hold your breath, bend your elbows, and lower your body. Qi flows from Dan Tian through Hui Yin to Bai Hui, and then from Bai Hui to Shan Zhong.
5. Exhale while continuing the movement.
6. The arms straighten, the body returns to its original position. Qi flows from Shan Zhong through the inner sides of the hands into the fingers.

Repeat the exercise 49 times.

"Sticking in the beans"

1. Fill the keg with beans.
2. Inhale, stand facing the barrel, knees bent, hands pressed to your stomach, palms up. Qi flows into Dan Tian.
3. Exhale and simultaneously insert your index and middle fingers into the bean. Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Ren Mai to the Shan Zhong, then splits in two and along the inner sides of the arms reaches the hands, and from there to the fingertips.
4. Inhale, relax your body, and return your arms to the starting position. Qi flows to the Bai Hui point and then to the Dan Tian.

Repeat until the pain becomes unbearable and your hands go numb.

"Pokes in the tiles"

1. Place a piece of tile on the support so that it is level with your stomach.
2. Stand in front of the tiles, knees bent, hands at your stomach, palms facing up.
3. Fingers go down, exhale sharply, fingertips strike the surface of the tile. Qi from Dan Tien through Ren Mai flows into Shan Zhong, and then through the right armpit and the inside of the hand into the index and middle fingers.

Second phase

"The Arhat goes to bed"

1. Inhale through the nose and exhale sharply through it.
2. Inhale, place the index and middle fingers of the right hand on the floor, the arm is straight, the right leg is on the ground with the outer side, and the left arm is straightened and directed upward.
3. The Qi of heaven and the Qi of earth flows along the outside of the hands to Bai Hui.
4. The right arm is bent at the elbow, the chest touches the ground. Qi flows from Bai Hui to Dan Tian.
5. A sharp release of Qi and a return to its original position. Qi flows from the Tan Tien through the armpit, then through the inner surface of the arm into the index and middle fingers of the right hand.

Perform the exercise 49 times for each hand.

"Sticking in the Sand"

1. Fill the barrel with sand.
2. Inhale, stand facing the barrel, knees bent, hands pressed to your stomach, palms up. Qi flows into Dan Tian.
3. Exhale and simultaneously stick your index and middle fingers into the sand. Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Ren Mai to the Shan Zhong, then splits in two and along the inner sides of the arms reaches the hands, and from there to the fingertips.
4. Inhale, relax your body, and return your arms to the starting position. Qi flows to the Bai Hui point and then to the Dan Tian.

Repeat until the pain becomes unbearable and your hands go numb.

"Poke the Brick"

1. Place the brick on a support so that it is level with your stomach.
2. Stand in front of a brick, knees bent, hands near your stomach, palms facing up.
3. As you inhale, the index and middle fingers straighten on the right fist, and the hand itself rises up. The Qi of heaven and earth flows from the outer side of the right hand into the Bai Hui along the Ren Mai and flows into the Dan Tian.
4. Fingers go down, exhale sharply, fingertips strike the surface of the brick. Qi from the Dan Tien through the Ren Mai flows into the Shan Zhong, and then through the right armpit and the inside of the hand into the index and middle fingers.

Do the exercise until your fingers become hot and sore.

Third stage

"Diamond inverted standing"

1. Stand on your hands upside down, with your back to the wall and your feet on the wall.
2. Shift your body weight to the index and middle fingers of one hand and remove the other hand.
3. While inhaling, lead Qi from Dan Tian to Shan Zhong.
4. As you exhale, from the armpit of the arm you are standing on, along the inside of your arm into your fingers.

Stand in this position for 15 minutes on each hand.

"Sticking into iron filings"

1. Fill the barrel with iron filings.
2. Inhale, stand facing the barrel, knees bent, hands pressed to your stomach, palms up. Qi flows into Dan Tian.
3. Exhale and simultaneously insert your index and middle fingers into the iron filings. Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Ren Mai to the Shan Zhong, then splits in two and along the inner sides of the arms reaches the hands, and from there to the fingertips.
4. Inhale, relax your body, and return your arms to the starting position. Qi flows to the Bai Hui point and then to the Dan Tian.

Repeat until the pain becomes unbearable and your hands go numb.

"Poke the Stone"

1. Place the stone on a support so that it is level with your stomach.
2. Stand in front of the stone, knees bent, hands at your stomach, palms facing up.
3. As you inhale, the index and middle fingers straighten on the right fist, and the hand itself rises up. The Qi of heaven and earth flows from the outer side of the right hand into the Bai Hui along the Ren Mai and flows into the Dan Tian.
4. Fingers go down, exhale sharply, fingertips strike the surface of the stone. Qi from the Dan Tien through the Ren Mai flows into the Shan Zhong, and then through the right armpit and the inside of the hand into the index and middle fingers.

Do the exercise until your fingers become hot and sore.

Assisted Training Methods

1. Stand straight, feet wider than shoulder-width apart, knees bent, fists near your stomach, palms facing up.
2. Exhale sharply, the middle and index fingers straighten on the fists, the hands make blows simultaneously to the left and to the right, palms pointing down.
3. Bend your elbows and return to the starting position.

Repeat the exercise 100 times.

The development of iron hands

First stage

"Pushing Bricks"

1. Stand straight, feet wider than shoulder width, knees bent, hands at your stomach and holding a brick, palms facing up.
2. Exhale sharply through your nose, also releasing Qi, and push forward with your hands at shoulder level, at the end of the movement with your hands facing palms down, the bricks clasped tightly in your hands. In parallel, Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Shan Zhong, then into the armpits and into the hands.

Repeat the exercise 100 times.

"Leaning hand strikes on a pillar"

1. Wrap the rope tightly around the tree trunk so that the thickness is about 2 centimeters.
2. Stand with your left side to the tree trunk.
3. With a sharp exhalation and release of Qi, strike with the inside of your left forearm. At the same time, Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Ren Mai to the Shan Zhong, and then along the inside of the arm into the forearm.
4. The hand goes to the left and up, Qi returns to the Dan Tien, and an inhalation occurs.
5. A sharp exhalation, a similar blow with the outer side of the left forearm, the Chi energy flows along the same path as in the first case.
6. Repeat the exercise until your hand becomes hot and hurts.

Do the same for the other hand.

"Elbow hitting a sandbag"

1. Hang the sandbag at chest level.
2. Stand with your left side to the bag.
3. Exhale sharply with the release of Qi, the body turns to the right, and the right elbow strikes the bag. Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Shan Zhong to the right armpit, then along the inside of the arm to the elbow.

Second phase

"Dumbbell Push"

1. Stand straight, feet wider than shoulder width, knees bent, hands at your stomach and holding dumbbells, palms facing up.
2. Exhale sharply through your nose, also releasing Qi, and push forward with your arms at shoulder level, at the end of the movement with your arms facing palms down, the dumbbells clasped tightly in your hands. In parallel, Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Shan Zhong, then into the armpits and into the hands.
3. Take a deep breath, bend your elbows and take your starting position. Qi returns to the Dan Tian from the hands.

Repeat the exercise 100 times.

"The Monkey King Swings His Club"

1. Take a small wooden stick in one hand.

"Elbow strikes on thousand-layer paper"

1. Fix a thousand sheets on the wall at chest level.
2. Stand with your left side to the paper.
3. As you inhale, the body turns to the left, and the right arm bends at the elbow joint. The Qi of heaven and earth flows along the outside of the hands into Bai Hui, then into Ren Mai and returns to Dan Tian.
4. Exhale sharply with the release of Qi, the body turns to the right, and the right elbow strikes the paper. Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Shan Zhong to the right armpit, then along the inside of the arm to the elbow.
5. Repeat until your elbow becomes hot and your hand hurts.

Repeat the same exercise with your left hand.

Third stage

"Jumping with push-ups"

1. Take a barbell that is not too heavy.
2. Raise it by bending your elbows until it is at chest level.
3. Exhale sharply and release Qi, at this time take a jump, and at the top point spread your legs to the sides.
4. Landing on your toes, at this moment push the bar forward. Qi flows from Dan Tien through Ren Mai to Shan Zhong, and then flows along the inner sides of the arms into the hands.
5. The legs come together as you inhale, the arms return to their original position. Qi returns to Dan Tian

The exercise is performed 100 times.

"The plowman waves his whip"

1. Take in one hand a small “broom” with several dozen wires.
2. Start slapping it on your other hand. At the same time, Qi flows from the Tan Tien into the hand that receives the blows; all the energy of the body must be concentrated in it.
3. Repeat until the pain becomes too severe.

Do the same exercise for the other hand.

"Elbow hits the wall"

1. Stand with your left side to the wall, mark your chest level.
2. As you inhale, the body turns to the left, and the right arm bends at the elbow joint. The Qi of heaven and earth flows along the outside of the hands into Bai Hui, then into Ren Mai and returns to Dan Tian.
3. Exhale sharply with the release of Qi, the body turns to the right, and the right elbow strikes the wall. Qi flows from the Dan Tien through the Shan Zhong to the right armpit, then along the inside of the arm to the elbow.
4. Repeat until your elbow becomes hot and your hand hurts.

Repeat the same exercise with your left hand.

Assisted Training Methods

"Leaning with hands"

1. Stand with your partner at a distance of a step from each other, face to face, palms clenched into fists and located along the body.
2. Start striking with your right forearms, first in front of your stomachs, then in front of your faces.

Repeat the same with your left forearms.

The Zaifeng system “Iron Warrior: Hard Qigong martial technique” is precisely the practice that gives the physical body unimaginable capabilities, strength and stamina. This set of classes will allow you to train your hands and fists to increase not only your punching power, but also to learn new defensive tricks.

In the Shaolin Monastery (years of the Liang dynasty, 502-557). By practicing the invented Da Mo Qigong Changes in Muscles and Tendons, Shaolin monks discovered that by doing this they not only improved their health, but also significantly increased the effectiveness of their fighting techniques. Since then, many martial arts styles have developed qigong complexes to improve the effectiveness of combat. In addition, we note that many styles were generally created based on the theory of qigong. Martial artists played a very important role in the world of Chinese Qigong.

The first application of qigong theory in martial arts was associated with increasing muscle strength and efficiency. The theory itself was simple. used to direct to the muscles to fill them with energy and make them perform work more efficiently. Typically a person uses less than forty percent of their muscles. Therefore, if he can learn to concentrate (), using his strong Yi to direct the qi to the muscles, a person will be able to raise the energy of the muscles to a much higher level, thereby improving his own fighting efficiency.

As the theory of application became more and more clear, combat techniques were able to be further improved. Martial arts practitioners learned to attack specific areas of an opponent's body (such as vital acupuncture cavities (see )), thereby disrupting the movement of qi ( ) in the enemy's body and creating an energy imbalance that led to serious damage and even death. To achieve this, the practitioner had to understand the paths (see) and time of movement of qi () in the body; it was also necessary to be able to strike at specific points, performing them carefully and to the required depth of penetration. Techniques for striking acupuncture points (cavities) are called dian xue (“strikes on the cavities”) or dian mai (“strikes on the channels”).

Most martial qigong techniques help improve the practitioner's health (). But there are some other types of this art that, while helping to develop a certain combat skill, at the same time harm the health of the fighter (). An example of this is the “Iron Sand Palm” system: although the training methods made it possible to develop amazing destructive power, the exercises themselves could disfigure the hands and also affect the movement of qi in the upper limbs and internal organs.

Since the sixth century, many fighting styles have been created based on qigong theory; They can be conditionally divided into “external” and “internal”.

In external styles, the emphasis is on storing qi in the limbs and coordinating energy interactions with physical fighting techniques. These styles follow the theory of Qigong (External Elixir Qigong). In Wai Dan Qigong, special exercises are usually used to generate qi in the limbs: to increase the density of qi ( )
Concentration of the mind is used during the exercises. This significantly increases muscle strength, and therefore the effectiveness of combat techniques. Qigong can also be used to learn how to withstand a variety of blows. In this case, qi is directed to the skin and muscles, filling them with itself and allowing them to withstand the blow without any damage. This training is usually called the "Iron Shirt" (Tie Bu Shan) or the "Golden Bell Veil" (Jing Zhong Zhao). Martial arts styles that use Wai Dan Qigong in their training are usually called external (Wai Gong) or hard (Ying Gong). A typical example of a style that uses martial Wai Dan Qigong is Shaolin Gongfu.

But while Wai Dan Qigong can help a fighter increase his strength, this method of training also has certain disadvantages. Since this system mainly focuses on training the external muscles, it can lead to their overdevelopment. As a result, the problem of “energy dissipation” (san gong) arises when the practitioner begins to quickly become decrepit. To improve the situation, an external style fighter, who has achieved a high level of mastery in external qigong, moves on to internal qigong, aimed at eliminating the problem of energy dissipation. That's why they say: "Shaolin Kung Fu - from external to internal."

Internal Martial Qigong is based on the theory of (Internal Elixir). In this complex, qi is produced not in the limbs, but in the torso, and then directed to the limbs to increase strength. To direct the qi to the limbs, the technique should be gentle with minimal use of muscles.

The theory and practice of martial Nei Dan Qigong is much more complex than Wai Dan Qigong. Several internal martial arts styles were created in the Wudang and Emei mountains. Particularly popular are Taijiquan, Bagua Zhang, Liuhebafa Quan and Xinyi Quan (). However, it must be understood that even in internal martial arts styles, usually called soft styles, the use of muscular strength is required in some cases. This is why a Wushu practitioner who practices the internal martial style, having achieved a certain degree of perfection in internal qigong, must master more severe external techniques. On this occasion, in China they say: “Internal styles go from soft to hard.”

In the last fifty years, masters of Tai Chi Qigong and Tai Chi Chuan have developed a new system aimed primarily at maintaining health. It is called Wuji Qigong, which translates as “Qigong of Infinity.” Wuji (“Infinity”) is a state of neutrality that precedes Taiji, a state of mutually complementary opposites. If thoughts and feelings are swarming in your head, it means they are present; but if you calm your mind, you can return to the emptiness of Wuji. When you reach this state, your mind is focused and clear, your body is relaxed ( ) and your body's qi can move naturally and smoothly, restoring balance on its own. Wuji Qigong has gained great popularity in many regions of China, especially Shanghai and Canton.

Although Qigong is widely studied by Wushu practitioners, the main emphasis of training was initially on improving martial performance rather than promoting health. Good health was considered a by-product of such training. It was only in the twentieth century that the health aspect of martial qigong gradually began to attract attention. This is especially true for internal martial arts styles.

There’s a lot you don’t hear when people start talking about internal energy. Some tell stories about magicians who, with a movement of their eyebrows, throw entire hordes of attackers to the ground, others do not believe in anything like that and refer to a school course in physics and biology. Some say that if it takes years of daily training to achieve results, then it’s not worth trying, while others only see true value in such things. I will try to summarize existing points of view and consider the issue from the point of view of the use of internal energy (whatever that is meant by) in battle. I intend to rely on facts that I myself have witnessed or on eyewitness accounts and literature, which I have no reason not to trust. Mostly materials related to China will be used, since the rest of the world is following in its footsteps in such things.

First, some general comments. Many people confuse such concepts as “qigong” and “neigong”. “Qigong” translated from Chinese means “working with qi,” that is, operating with internal energy. "Neigong" is "internal training", that is, all types of training that are not directly related to the training of complexes, fights, general developmental exercises and special conditioning. Neigong includes, for example, “developing lightness” - the art of light jumping and running on walls, “developing gravity” - developing stability of positions, what is called “growing into the ground,” etc. Such techniques can use qi, or they can and don't use it.

According to research by Chinese historians, qigong techniques appeared even before the advent of writing. They are described in the earliest medical monument of China - “The Canon of the Inner Yellow Emperor”. In martial arts, the study of qigong has gone in two directions - in relation to the practitioner, to make training more effective, and in relation to harming the enemy.

The simplest application of qigong in relation to oneself is the use of techniques for working with qi to bring oneself to a normal state. Obviously, training will have the best effect if you go into it with a clear head, completely focused on the work ahead. For example, in the treatise of the Sanhuang Paochui style (Cannon Strike of the Three Emperors) on methods of strengthening striking surfaces and shock-proof hardening of the body, it is said that before starting training, you should stand in the “pillar standing” position and, covering your eyes, do breathing exercises until qi fills your legs and will not rise to the dantian. And in the treatise “Explaining the True Meaning of Shaolin Fist Art” it is said that one can begin stuffing the body only after the accumulation of qi reaches such a stage that it begins to “ooze through the pores of the body.”

Our fans of hand-to-hand combat can laugh at these “quirks”, but Chinese fans of hard qigong (I emphasize - amateurs, not professionals, I talked with one such group in which people practice in their free time, like in an amateur club) can split their palms with a clap a brick held in the other hand, or without any damage to oneself being lifted by a trident stuck in the stomach. Those involved in traditional martial arts have probably noticed that approximately the same actions are recommended to be performed before starting complex training, and this is not accidental. Gradually, the time for such regulation of the body begins to shorten, and the “switch” for it becomes some gestures or mental images associated with the beginning of a complex or training. In a real combat situation, one such action performed instantly puts your body into a state of combat readiness. Wushu fans are in an advantageous position here, because the terrifying ritual greetings of many complexes are excellent both for intimidating opponents before the start of a fight (tested more than once on the street), and for putting oneself in a fighting state.

Another application of internal energy is based on the Eastern teaching about meridians and collaterals, and knowledge of the theory is very important here. Europe became acquainted with the Chinese art of acupuncture and moxibustion back in the 17th century, and already in the next century, certain techniques of these techniques began to be widely used for therapeutic purposes. However, in isolation from theoretical knowledge, they turned out to be ineffective (there is a known case when, at the end of the 19th century, in one of the French hospitals, patients rebelled against the “puncture doctors”), and after the fashion for Chinese methods passed, they disappeared in Europe (including Russia) without a trace. Thanks to close ties between the USSR and China in the 40-50s, a revival of these techniques began; many Soviet doctors went to study or practice in China. At the turn of the 50-60s, through their efforts, a number of original and translated works on Chinese medicine, both theoretical and purely practical, were published, recognized centers for oriental (puncture) reflexology therapy were formed in Leningrad (St. Petersburg), Gorky ( Nizhny Novgorod), Kazan and Ulan-Ude. At the turn of the 80-90s, there was a new surge in fashion for the East, and new works began to appear in Russian, dealing not only with medical, but also with combat aspects of the application of the doctrine of biologically active points. Thus, currently, among the countries of the non-eastern world, Russia ranks first in terms of the amount of quality information related to these issues.

When studying issues related to the Chinese doctrine of internal energy, the problem immediately arose about what qi is. There are several dozen options for translating this term into Russian - “air”, “breath”, “lymph”, “ether”, “atoms”, “nervous regulation”, “vital energy”, etc., each of which reflects only a small part of its meaning and none of which exhausts it completely. Moreover, this term can be combined with an infinite number of definitions. It seems that as soon as Chinese specialists needed to explain any physiological or mental phenomenon, they immediately came up with a new type of qi. At the same time, all these types are manifestations of one single qi. Many Chinese authors, it seems, do not really delve into the essence of the interaction of various manifestations of a single qi, being satisfied with the knowledge of the functions they perform. In principle, this is sufficient for practical use. In Russian-language literature, in relation to the tasks of medical practice, the most successful definition was proposed by V.G. Vogralik: qi is an integral function of all the activities of the body, its energy, tone, vitality. The qi of each organ or organ system expresses the metabolism and functions at that moment; the resultant of all these manifestations constitutes the unified qi of the body. This definition was accepted by the majority of Russian reflexologists. From my point of view, it is no worse than the definitions from Kadochnikov’s system “a person is a mechanical system with a finite number of degrees of freedom”, “a technique is the use of one’s degrees of freedom to reduce the number of degrees of freedom of the enemy.”

The idea of ​​the channels and collaterals that permeate the body, through which qi continuously circulates, and the possibilities of influencing this circulation through selected points forms the basis of the special theory of Chinese medicine and Chinese martial arts. Every body is qi, clothed in some form. All physiological processes in the body ultimately come down to the interaction of various types of qi both inside and outside a given form. However, the passage of qi in a closed circuit through certain significant points and areas connected by a network of channels performs an important controlling function. This theory has been developed over many centuries. Currently, it describes about 36 points located on 12 main and two “miraculous” channels. In addition, the flow of qi can be traced through six more “wonderful” channels. Approximately 280 extra-channel points are also identified.

If in the East this system is accepted as something given, then in the West they have tried to put an obvious materialistic rationale behind it. The simplest option - combining the canal network with the neurovascular trunks - did not work: only very small sections were combined. Currently, a more subtle theory is being developed that the structural basis of the main points and channels is made up of intercellular gap junctions. Closely related to this theory is the hypothesis about the connection of “body channels” with intermuscular gaps, which basically coincide with the lines of muscle contouring.

The difficulty of determining the location of the canals on the usual human anatomical atlas has led some researchers to the idea that the canals are a purely functional system, without a specific real carrier. However, laboratory studies using modern techniques have refuted this opinion. For example, Chinese experts have found that when electrically stimulating points along the canal, a red or white line may appear, caused by hyperemia (red dermographism) or spasm of skin vessels (white dermographism).

In 1986, materials from a unique experiment carried out at the Nenner Institute in Paris were published. A liquid containing technetium was injected into certain points using acupuncture. The rays emitted by it were recorded using an electronic camera. The result revealed that the radioactive liquid spread strictly along the “channels” secreted by traditional Chinese medicine. When the same liquid was injected into random points on the body not associated with acupuncture, it did not spread throughout the body at all.

So, let's summarize this theoretical digression: there are certain relationships and mutual influences between different parts of the human body. There is a theory to explain this mechanism, described in terms of qi energy. This theory differs positively from modern explanations in its brevity and time-tested nature. From the point of view of practical application, it is absolutely not important for us to know what is behind it.

In medicine, fine adjustment of the flow of qi is usually needed to bring the body back to normal. In combat, an instant result is required (unless you are a secret killer who requires the victim to die of illness after 3 days, 7 hours and 28 minutes), and it is the result that is important - the death of the enemy - and not the mechanism for obtaining it. Therefore, in the theory of martial arts, they usually studied not six hundred points; each school developed its own limited set - usually 36 points; these sets differed from school to school. A deep theory was also not needed, it was only important to know where these points were. However, in our modern conditions, it is usually not necessary to kill people, so if you want to be able to use the art of influencing points in a regular fight, then you need to clearly understand what will happen after influencing a certain biologically active point - the person’s heart will stop or simply have a bowel movement immediately intestines (the first, of course, will instantly end the battle, but the second can also decide the fight in your favor). This also requires some familiarity with the theory. As an example, I will give a story told in a private conversation by the president of the Krasnoyarsk Regional Shaolinquan Association, Anatoly Kovgan.

When he was in the Shaolin Monastery several years ago and was actively making acquaintances with monks and other wushu masters, he was told about one of his new acquaintances that he was one of the largest modern masters of influencing points. During lunch at one of the nearby eateries, A. Kovgan asked the monk himself if this was true. The monk replied that it was true, and said that he would now demonstrate his art. Noticing the anxiety of the interlocutor, he said that he need not be afraid, the demonstration would not be on him, and they went to the owner of the establishment. Looking at the owner, the monk told the owner that he (the owner) was not entirely healthy, and asked if he had noticed such and such symptoms. The owner replied that he had noticed, and agreed for the monk to treat him. The monk immediately hit his fingers at some point, and the owner fell with a roar on the spot, unconscious, on the couch that stood in that room (the roar was due to the fact that he knocked something over during the fall). The monk actually conducted a treatment session, pressing some points, after which, by pressing the desired point, he brought the owner to his senses. He began to thank him for the treatment and was very surprised when the neighbors came running and began to find out what the noise was about - he didn’t remember anything.

However, there is an opposite point of view on the art of influencing points. In 1991, one of the greatest wushu masters of our time, Ma Minda, came to the USSR. While communicating with Wushu fans, when asked about the art of death touch, he replied that he doubted that anyone would be able to use this art in battle against him. His doubts were well founded - according to my visual assessments, in battle he acted at a rate of 3-5 strikes per second. To get within striking distance of such a mill, mastering the art of death touch alone is not enough.

So, is the art of influencing points applicable in hand-to-hand combat? In my opinion, mastering this art can be compared to having a knife in your hand. If you have a knife, then this is a serious advantage, but it is still not enough to win: if you have a weak blow, then you may not even tear the enemy’s clothes, if the enemy knows how to fight well, then you will not be able to use a knife against him at all. So it is with the art of influencing points. If you want to use it in combat, then in addition to memorizing the location of the necessary points and the effect they cause, you need to be able to instantly find them by touch (to know which finger to press when you took the grip approximately in the right place), strengthen your fingers (to press the right point even through clothes and in order to be able to strike with your fingers to the required depth), learn to grab thrown sandbags (to develop the ability to instantly and firmly grab), and have at least the basic skills of ordinary hand-to-hand combat, otherwise while you are taking your grip or aim for a punch with your fingers, you risk running into a direct hit to the jaw.

A more amazing way of handling internal energy is the so-called “emitting external qi.” The theoretical definition of this: through long-term training using any method, to harmonize the internal qi of the human body, accumulate it inside the body, and at the right time, using certain biologically active points, release it outside. I have no doubt about its reality: when I was in Krasnoyarsk a couple of years ago, I met Mr. Zhang Junqi from Xi’an, who studied the “emitting qi through the index finger” school of qigong and, at the invitation of the Krasnoyarsk Regional Shaolinquan Association, led qigong groups. For the Krasnoyarsk TV channel "Afontovo" he agreed to hold a public demonstration of his art, which I attended.

It took place in an ordinary gym, everyone took part in the demonstration - both those who were working out and those who simply came in from the street, having heard about what was happening - about 30 people in total. Zhang warned that he did not intend to emit full “combat” portions of qi, that this only a demonstration, and therefore as soon as anyone feels that it is difficult for him to stand and wants to fall, let him immediately sit on the floor. After that, he began to fire “shots” at the crowd at short intervals (at least that’s what it looked like - he extended his hand towards those participating in the demonstration with his index and middle fingers straightened, and every time he shuddered with the sound “ts!” in the crowd someone dropped to the floor). After about 15 people were on the floor, we said that this was enough for a demonstration, but then one of the participants who came in defiantly said that he had never felt anything and therefore didn’t care doesn't believe it. Zhang walked up a few meters and fired another "shot" at him - no effect. Then Zhang asked if he really wanted to feel the effect and whether his heart and liver were okay. Having received an affirmative answer to both questions, Zhang immediately fired the "shot" in full. The guy, as if knocked down, collapsed on the spot in a crooked position - all his muscles were cramped.

Scary art, isn't it? However, it really takes years and years of practice to master, and using it in combat is comparable to using single-shot pistols: after firing one, you need to get the next one, and during this time, opponents can get within melee range. So, in my opinion, it is only applicable as an auxiliary skill - like pirates used pistols during a boarding battle. If you still want to master this art, look for a teacher. A more or less normal method for self-study is given in the book “300 questions about qigong” by Lin Houshen and Luo Peiyu (question 116), which has already gone through 2 editions in Russian in recent years, but since it was published in Novosibirsk, I doubt that this book will be available to those wishing to study from other regions.

And the last, most famous use of internal energy in martial arts is to strengthen the blow. Its use is comparable to using brass knuckles. As the founder of the Baguazhang style, Dong Haichuan, answered a student’s question, “striking with internal energy is based on striking with force.” In Chinese martial arts, there are usually three levels of mastery of the use of energy in a strike - a strike using jing effort, a strike using qi and a strike using shen. The concepts of jing, qi and shen are found in any theoretical work on qigong; they all refer to substances that are present in the body from birth, but with the help of special techniques some substances can be distilled into others. In martial arts, jing refers to the force that comes “from the bones and tendons,” a complex effort of the whole body, as opposed to the force of li, which arises from muscle contraction and can appear even if the body is motionless.

It is believed that a student masters the release of effort-jing if his movements contain the so-called “three external coordinations,” that is, “the movements of the shoulders and hips are coordinated, the movements of the elbows and knees are coordinated, and the movements of the hands and feet are coordinated.” This can be achieved in a couple of years of training. Movement using qi occurs when the entire body participates in it with all its capabilities (see the previously cited definition of qi, accepted among Russian reflexologists). This can be achieved over a longer period of time; mastering the “three internal coordinations” is necessary. Shen is identified with spirit, a blow using shen becomes, as it were, animated, it is no longer an ordinary blow, but a work of art.

Those who remember the Chinese feature film “Southern and Northern Shaolin Monasteries”, shown in short excerpts on the TV show “Travelers Club”, or have seen it on video cassettes (it is known in the version translated from Japanese subtitles as “Arahan - Buddhist Monk”), may remember the final battle, where Shaolin's martial arts mentor Zhiren (played by Yu Hai from the Shandong Province Wushu team) and monk Zhiming (played by multiple Chinese Wushu champion Li Lianze) use the same praying mantis style technique. Despite the fact that Li Lianze seems to do all the movements absolutely correctly, he is still far from Yu Hai, who has been practicing the praying mantis style all his life. How to achieve such mastery, you ask? You need to train, train and train, for years and decades. But this is a long time, you exclaim! Well, the East is a delicate matter, it’s not for nothing that those who are considered masters in the West are, at best, identified with advanced students in the East...

Defining the term “Qigong” (气功) is easy, and at the same time quite difficult. The word “Qigong” itself consists of two parts. The first part, “Qi” (气), can to a certain extent be translated as “energy” or “life force”, which permeates the entire Universe. It should be understood that the hieroglyph Qi (气) itself is quite capacious in its meaning and the translations given only partially reflect its semantic meaning.

The second part of the term - "Gong" (功) - is an abbreviation for the word "gongfu", which can be translated as "the work and time required to achieve a goal." This word also means “supreme skill”, and in any field of activity, be it Qigong, martial arts or calligraphy.

The role of Qigong in the Taoist Tradition and the Zhen Dao school

Qigong is translated from Chinese as the skill of controlling life force. The term “Qigong” itself became widespread only in the 60s of the twentieth century. But Qigong exercises have their roots in ancient Taoist cultivation methods that have existed in China for thousands of years and have only recently gained some fame. In ancient times, such self-knowledge and cultivation techniques were called “Yang Sheng Fa,” which translated means “method of cultivating life,” and they were mainly associated with the Taoist system.

Modern Qigong systems are very popular both in China and abroad due to good therapeutic results and not very difficult to study. All this is of course very good and useful, but sometimes the following problem arises. It is very sad sometimes to see very intelligent people who try to realize their spiritual potential with the help of exercises that were created to maintain the body and psyche in good condition, or generally to treat seriously ill people. It is clear that hoping for success in this case is useless and then self-deception may arise, wishful thinking and, as a consequence, falling into an illusion about one’s development.

It happens that a person becomes so mired in such ignorance that in this life he has practically no chance of getting rid of it. All these and similar phenomena arise due to poor awareness of what is what, what it is intended for, when and how to practice to obtain certain results, and all this against the backdrop of a sufficiently large number of incompetent teachers. Indeed, unfortunately, very often in widely popular areas, in order to become an instructor, practically no knowledge and skills are required from a person, with the exception of a certain monetary contribution:-(

Qigong differs from the practices of Internal Alchemy in that Qigong methods work with ordinary Qi and are mainly intended to achieve physical and mental health, which is achieved by improving the circulation of internal Qi, as well as through basic practices of working with consciousness. And Internal Alchemy allows you to work with the original Qi and allows you not only to radically improve your health, but also to completely transform yourself and realize your spiritual potential!

Since Qigong in the Zhen Dao school is taught to students at the stage, it to some extent prepares practitioners for the deeper Taoist practices of Internal Alchemy, where it is necessary to work with more subtle types of Qi and where the internal work itself is more complex. By practicing Qigong you have the opportunity to get acquainted with the subtle world, learn to recognize and work with it.

Qigong exercises are aimed at healing and harmonizing the human body at all levels:

• bodily,
• emotional
• and intellectual.

The main emphasis of Qigong classes is aimed at basic training of the body, energy system, breathing and human consciousness. Due to its effectiveness, Qigong exercises have become widely known throughout the world since the middle of the last century, and millions of people are glad that they were able to learn about such a perfect system.

In Qigong classes, you can learn to breathe correctly (which in itself will help significantly improve the health of the body), and then master various types of breathing practices. Breathing practices are very important, as breathing affects emotions, the physiology of the body, and even some biochemical reactions in the body. Thus, Qigong will allow you to balance the circulation of energies in the body, achieve a balance of Yin and Yang, feel your unity with the outside world, with Nature, as well as calm your mind and get rid of stress!

It should be understood that not everything called “Qigong” is related to Taoist practices! The term itself, due to its popularity, is also used for other exercises that have nothing to do with the Taoist Tradition.

In addition to health Qigong, there is also:

• Medical Qigong (treating other people with Qigong methods) and
• Hard Qigong (strengthening the body with Qi for martial arts).

The basics of Medical Qigong in the Zhen Dao school are given in separate seminars for those who are already engaged in Internal Alchemy, since in order to treat other people, you must first cleanse your energy system, gain sufficient experience in working with Qi, and strengthen your internal Qi.

The Zhen Dao school teaches martial arts: Taijiquan and Xingyiquan, but they are presented primarily as an alternative to Tao Yin, as a method of strengthening and healing the human body at the stage of Laying the Foundation. The main goal of the Zhen Dao school is to teach people Taoist methods of spiritual development, therefore no attention is paid to hard Qigong.

About Qi

Qi comes in different qualities and has a wide range of manifestations of its features and characteristics. For example, when concentrated, it becomes a physical object, and when it dissipates, it can no longer be seen with ordinary vision, but can be felt when performing special exercises. Qi is also a carrier of information, so it has such properties as residual, selectivity, programmability, it can have a destructive or restorative effect, etc. Based on this, the term “Qi” should be understood not only as a certain force, but also as the energy-informational aspect of the Universe.

Qi is primarily divided into:

• Yin - Qi of the Earth, Moon, internal Yin Qi;
• Yang - Qi of the Sky, Sun, stars, internal Yang Qi.

This basic division of Qi is described in the Yin-Yang theory.

In addition, Qi is Pre-Heaven and Post-Heaven. Pre-Heavenly Qi is the original Qi that is given to a person before birth in limited quantities, when its supply runs out, the person dies. Post-heavenly Qi is produced already in this world by various sources of forces, and also being absorbed by living beings, it is constantly transformed. The finest primordial Qi is the primordial spirit, which lives forever, and the coarsest post-heaven Qi is matter.

Regarding a person, Qi is:

• external - Qi of external sources of forces: the Sun, Moon, stars, Earth, natural Qi and
• internal - the Qi that is inside your body, as well as the protective Qi that protrudes beyond the contours of your body, forming an elongated ball or energy egg.

From a health perspective, Qi can be:

• clean, active, strong - carries correct natural information that is beneficial to health;
• cloudy, inactive, weak - harmful to human health, although in itself it is useful for some other living beings.

Since everything around consists of Qi, it affects everything. All diseases begin at the level of Qi, and then gradually manifest themselves at the level of physical matter. The connection between Qi and matter and its effect on health can be traced through the theory of Wu Xing.

Qi is not just energy, but also information! Comprehending it with the help of Taoist practices, the practitioner gradually learns from his own experience the unity of all things, penetrating into increasingly subtle levels of the universe with the help of Taoist meditations. Qigong allows you to learn to sense and control Qi, feel and understand the connection between Qi and the body, Qi and breathing, Qi and emotions... And if you go further and start practicing Internal Alchemy, sooner or later you will realize the connection between the spirit, Qi and the body, having cognized the unity peace, first on your own being, and then feeling it throughout the entire Universe.

Working with Qi

Qigong exercises are externally and physically quite simple and accessible; anyone who sincerely strives for this can master them. You just have to remember that the basis of their effectiveness is a certain amount of internal work. Outwardly, it may not be noticeable, but without it, Qigong practices will turn into gymnastics. If you do the exercises correctly and regularly, you can learn to feel Qi, and then interact with it, understand it and control its flow - cleanse energy channels, attract external Qi into the body and accumulate it in special areas - dantians. This will allow the body to function better and, over time, get rid of many ailments.

Here are the main methods of working with Qi in Qigong:

Feeling of Qi- in order to start working with Qi, you must first learn to sense it. Most people have average sensitivity, so it will take time and regular practice for your consciousness to learn to tune into subtle sensations and not confuse them with physical sensations, and also not fall into delusions by inventing these sensations. Here, of course, we can recommend starting to study with an instructor who will help you avoid self-deception.

There are people with increased or decreased sensitivity - no more than 5-10% of such people. Even if you find yourself among them, then in case of increased sensitivity you will need to learn not to get carried away by sensations, not to become attached to them, so as not to slow down your development. And in case of decreased sensitivity, you will need to start working more with your breath and body, be patient and give the opportunity to develop your consciousness and awareness, which will allow you to begin to feel Qi.

Clearing Turbid Qi- will help launch active restoration processes. When you cleanse the body of cloudy, disease-causing Qi, you make room for clean, healthy energy with the right information.

Qi accumulation- allows you to fill the purified space with fresh, more powerful and correct Qi. Cumulative practices will help accumulate additional amounts of Qi in the dantians. It is important to understand that without Xing Gong, the increasing amount of Qi will cultivate good and bad qualities in you! This can lead to an imbalance of Yin and Yang, increased irritability, and health problems.

Qi Enhancement- allows you to use slow breathing and special practices to improve the quality of Qi, making it more active and powerful. Naturally, this will have a positive effect on both your health and your activity in society, provided that you also actively improve and cultivate your heart nature!

Harmonization of Qi- allows you to restore the balance of Yin and Yang, as well as adjust internal processes. Special healing practices (for example, “Six Healing Sounds”) allow you to normalize the functioning of internal organs and harmonize the five movements of Qi in the body. To harmonize Qi, the practices of Qigong, Tao Yin and Xing Gong are used.

There are also special sets of exercises in Qigong that are very convenient to perform as morning exercises - they gently but effectively cleanse, harmonize and tone the entire body. For example, “Baduanjin” (eight pieces of brocade) and “Wu Qin Xi” (games of five animals).

Regular Qigong practice allows you to:

• radically improve health and strengthen immunity;
• learn to relax the body and mind, which is very important for a modern person who lives in a metropolis;
• calm breathing, gentle movements and the right inner attitude will help you find a state of inner harmony and clarity of thinking;
• master the art of “collected relaxation” and awareness of actions;
• increase efficiency, perseverance and ability to maintain concentration;
• learn to manage your feelings and emotions: get rid of irritability, depression, depression, fears, uncertainty and other negative emotions;
• increase vitality and energy, forget about the feeling of fatigue and weakness.

The teaching methodology takes into account the peculiarities of the mentality and physiology of European people. Qigong exercises in the Zhen Dao school do not require special physical training or special conditions. The key to the effectiveness of classes will be your determination to practice, confidence in achieving results and, of course, regularity of classes!

All this will ultimately give you a powerful impetus for development professionally and personally. Health and energy will make it easier to achieve life goals, a better understanding of others and a positive psycho-emotional charge will help you build relationships correctly and become more successful in society.